Cornyn to introduce bill tomorrow to help Fort Hood victims

WASHINGTON - Tomorrow, Sen. John Cornyn will introduce a bill classifying Fort Hood as a terrorist attack and award the victims Purple Hearts, which would lead to increased financial and medical benefits for them and their families.

The bill, announced last week by Cornyn and fellow Texas Republicans Rep. Roger Williams of Austin and Rep. John Carter of Round Rock, is similar to bills the legislators have tried, and failed, to push through Congress.

However, this is first piece of legislation introduced since the conviction of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan. Some lawmakers concerned that a bill would interfere with the trial are now renewing their efforts to the victims.

"I do believe that we will be able to move this bill in the Senate and the House expeditiously," Cornyn said during a Wednesday call with Texas reporters. "There is nothing remotely political about this bill."

The bill could mean $3,088 in monthly benefits for each victim. In the past, the House has included victim compensation in its versions of a Pentagon budget. The Senate has not.

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